Decision details

That

      i.        the residential and day care service currently provided at Heathlands be re-provided in the independent sector.

     ii.        further detailed work with the residents and their families commence with a view to securing alternative residential, nursing or day care provision.

As people with dementia continue to be supported to live in the community for longer, increasingly, therefore when people with dementia move into a care home setting their needs are more complex and often can only be met through nursing care. There has, therefore, been an increase in the number and proportion of nursing care placements being commissioned as opposed to residential care placement.

Bracknell Forest Council, in partnership with the Clinical Commissioning Groups, will continue to commission services that support a shift away from residential care to personalised social care in community settings, supporting people to live independently, and safely to deliver the principles within Bracknell Forest Joint Commissioning Strategy for Dementia 2014-2019.

The necessary investment required to undertake a major refurbishment/
redevelopment and bring Heathlands up to standard would not be economically viable, and would also mean people would need to be moved for a period of time which would create unacceptable disruption to their lives.

Heathlands has been operating with a number of vacant beds since mid 2014 and as 1^st June 2015 the home was operating with less than 50% occupancy. Currently there are 10 people permanently placed in Heathlands. These people, over time, would be likely to be moving out of Heathlands if and when their needs cannot be met. There has also been a drop in attendance at the Day Centre by 40% over the last 12 months.

The Council is having to meet the challenge of an ageing population and increased demand for support within a climate of budgetary and funding constraints. It is, therefore, essential that services are sustainable, cost effective and deliver best value for money.

The Executive are reminded that even if the recommendations are accepted people will still continue to receive a service to meet their needs. This proposal is not about cutting the level of support to older people, but about providing it in a different way to ensure a better environment for people and ensure efficient and effective working.

If the recommendations are accepted, then the department will work with individuals and their families to secure alternative accommodation and support.

The consultation has demonstrated that people would like to keep Heathlands open as they feel it is an established part of the community and would leave a physical gap. There is recognition that change is a very emotional issue and it would be detrimental to the individuals affected.  The Council recognised that the proposal to consult might cause concern for the people in Heathlands, their families and the staff. Extra support has been provided throughout the consultation and will continue to be provided through this time and after the decisions is made.

No change in service will mean that this service would continue to be costly and unsustainable and would commit the Council to additional capital expenditure.

To refurbish/redevelop Heathlands and invest in a major re development programme would require considerable investment. It is clear that the upgrade cost would be very significant.

Consideration had been given to sell or lease Heathlands to another provider. This would be difficult due to the limitations and constraints of the building and the investment required to address these issues and secure a market position.

None